British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday for his first official visit to India, marking what Prime Minister Narendra Modi described as a &ldquo;historic moment&rdquo; in the growing India-UK partnership.&nbsp;Starmer landed with the UK&rsquo;s largest-ever trade delegation, including top business leaders, industry experts and policymakers, signalling a renewed push to strengthen economic and strategic ties between the two nations.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said, &ldquo;Welcome Prime Minister Keir Starmer on your historic first visit to India with the largest ever trade delegation from the UK. Looking forward to our meeting tomorrow for advancing our shared vision of a stronger, mutually prosperous future.&rdquo;&nbsp;Starmer&rsquo;s two-day trip comes after the finalisation of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement earlier this year, which both governments have hailed as a milestone expected to boost growth, create jobs and lower prices for consumers in both countries. Downing Street projects that the FTA could add &pound;190 million annually to Scotland&rsquo;s economy, with the Scotch whisky industry emerging as one of the biggest beneficiaries.
The British PM kicked off his visit with a vibrant display of sports diplomacy, joining former England footballer Michael Owen and young athletes at a Premier League showcase in Mumbai. Later in the evening, Starmer toured Yash Raj Films studios, where he met actress Rani Mukerji and CEO Akshaye Widhani and watched a special screening.
In a lighthearted moment, Starmer greeted passengers aboard British Airways Flight 9100 to Mumbai through an in-flight announcement from the cockpit, saying, &ldquo;This is the Prime Minister in the cockpit. A very warm welcome to BA flight 9100 to Mumbai. It&rsquo;s fantastic to have you all onboard.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Growth in India for British businesses means more jobs for people at home,&rdquo; Starmer wrote on X, underlining the focus on deepening economic cooperation.&nbsp;Starmer and Modi are set to meet in Mumbai on Thursday for bilateral talks expected to cover fintech, trade, defence, and emerging technologies. Both leaders will also address the 6th Global Fintech Fest and the India-UK CEO Forum, reviewing progress under the &lsquo;Vision 2035&rsquo; roadmap that spans investment, security, climate action, education and innovation.
Officials say the visit will reaffirm the two nations&rsquo; commitment to a &ldquo;mutually beneficial and future-ready partnership,&rdquo; with the Free Trade Agreement serving as a cornerstone of that effort.

UK PM’s first India visit focuses on trade, fintech, defence and stronger ties

PM Modi Welcomes Keir Starmer to India

UK PM’s first India visit focuses on trade, fintech, defence and stronger ties

October 8, 2025 | 22:29 IST